Pace & Race Shape:

An extremely strong pace is anticipated, which should favour those who can sit off the speed and pounce late. There are multiple habitual front-runners in the field (e.g. Tronido, Purefoy, Daisy Roots), making this a real stamina test for the trip, especially on Epsom’s turning track.


—

Leading Contenders:

FINBAR’S LAD [83]: In-form front-runner, bolted up at Chelmsford latest and has won off higher marks before. Will be involved early but vulnerable to late closers in this pace setup. 7/10

G’DAAY [83]: Just behind Finbar’s Lad last time, better drawn here and well-handicapped on last season’s turf form. Will appreciate the likely collapse in pace. 8/10

DAISY ROOTS [82]: In good form with recent win and consistent efforts, though another likely to press the pace and risk being softened up early. 6/10

BELIEVE YOU ME [82]: Consistent sort holding form, stays further, ideally suited to this expected race shape. 7/10

JACKSON STREET [84]: Pulled hard and still ran a blinder behind Touchwood last time. Could be the one best suited to picking up late. 7/10



—

Main Dangers:

MY MATE MIKE [83]: Ran well in similar scenario last time, drawn widest, which could compromise early position. 6/10

REDREDROBIN [80]: Course winner but looks exposed now and won’t be suited by the pace collapsing. 5/10

HAVANA MOJITO [82]: Needs the lead and may burn out with competition upfront. 4/10



—

Interesting Outsiders:

TRONIDO [81]: Another pace angle; blinkers off might help settle, but vulnerable late. 5/10

TWIRLER [81]: Races wide and inconsistent, but if getting cover could stay on into minor money. 4/10

PUREFOY [?]: Blew out twice since return, needs major leap forward. 3/10



—

Ratings (Suitability for Track, Trip, Ground, Draw/Pace):

Horse Suitability Rating

G’DAAY 8
JACKSON STREET 7
BELIEVE YOU ME 7
FINBAR’S LAD 7
MY MATE MIKE 6
DAISY ROOTS 6
REDREDROBIN 5
TRONIDO 5
HAVANA MOJITO 4
TWIRLER 4
PUREFOY 3



—

Private Tissue Estimate:

G’Daay 5/1

Jackson Street 6/1

Believe You Me 13/2

Finbar’s Lad 7/1

Daisy Roots 8/1

My Mate Mike 9/1

Others 14/1+



—

Summary:

The race should be run at a searching gallop, and while several are likely to be swept aside by the tempo, closers such as G’DAAY and BELIEVE YOU ME stand to gain most. Both have been consistent at the level and now look to pounce from midfield behind likely collapsing leaders.


—

Smart Play:

WIN – G’DAAY (Strong pace plays perfectly into his hands, handicapped to win) E/W – JACKSON STREET (Capable of strong late finish, well-handicapped and still improving)